Posts Tagged ‘circumstances’

There’s a certain inevitability that comes along with critiquing one of the “classics”; an act so well known that their very name rings throughout the air, from East to West and North to South of Heaven. What’s inevitable is that at some point during their new work, it starts to sound familiar, lacking any real drive. Whether or not this is countered with throwback performances can be the key factor in making an eleventh record jump or trip. Slayer are certainly not jumping, it can’t be expected with the loss of a man so key to their success.At this point, they may need a minute to check themselves because Repentless is definitely a toe stub of a step forward. The middle tracks of this album, “When The Stillness Comes” and “Chasing Death” are possibly the least attention grabbing eight minutes of 2015. King’s riffs here sound like they’ve been played through a surrogate, not entirely capable of playing as fast as the moment requires. Even one of his unique leads fails to get going, stuttering before failing to take off whatsoever. The stillness never leaves until the albums last track, which is probably only a touch more memorable than it’s preceding cuts due to the gleefully sassy nature of it’s title. The material all stalls because of riffs that go on for fucking ever. Don’t even bother with the intro track. Seriously. King is in a glass house when it comes to the extent of his song writing skills and he barely makes it out of this album alive because of it; only thanks to a couple of magic grooves and time changes into breakneck speeds does he remain with head above water. There is genuinely nothing new here and so be it. If Slayer are going to continue then this is probably the best thing that can happen. Get the first one outta the way and charge forward. To counter all of the bashing, Repentless doesn’t sound totally shit. Every cymbal and bit of kit rolls clearly and clearly and Araya’s bass is audible enough to remind everyone listening what it is he does between verses. The guitars are pretty flat and the tone is set from beginning to end of the record but Kerry King. Again, at this point it stops being that big a deal as it’s already clear where the albums strength comes from and it is not the ingenuity or skill on display here. It’s that it’s a Slayer album. People will find reason to continue to play this, long after being fully aware of how little this album has changed absolutely anybodies reaction to Slayer, regardless of their circumstances. Except for when Araya belts out a call to spark up – “Let’s get high!”. Pretty fucking funny. The most memorable part about the album for quite a few, would be a safe bet. Next time around might be different if King gives Holt something to do. Probably not. It’ll be a Slayer album. Slayer’s Repentless gets… 2.5/5

Facebook: I See Stars It’s been a roller-coaster few weeks for I See Stars , who were bounced off Falling in Reverse ‘s ‘ The Thug in Me Is You ‘ fall trek after disagreements with FIR singer Ronnie Radke . However, the group has rebounded rather well, filling the vacancy left by Suicide Silence on the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour . Headliners Asking Alexandria welcomed the band on board, and the group will play between tour openers Atilla and Memphis May Fire in the lineup. Suicide Silence had to drop out of the run after the tragic death of singer Mitch Lucker during a motorcycle crash on Halloween night. Asking Alexandria guitarist Ben Bruce said in a statement: First and foremost I would like to talk about a dear friend of mine who was prematurely taken from us this month. Mitch Lucker was one of the kindest and most passionate people I have ever had the pleasure of calling my friend. My thoughts are not only with his family and friends, but also with the millions of people, worldwide, who Mitch helped to mold and inspire into the people they are today. A great man was lost who’s love and passion reached all corners of the globe. As many of you know, Suicide Silence were preparing to join us on our upcoming ‘Outbreak’ Tour. Due to the devastating circumstances they will no longer be joining us physically. They will however, Mitch included, be with us in spirit. We will go out on this tour with As I Lay Dying , Memphis May Fire & Attila to pay our tributes and respects to Mitch and his brothers in Suicide Silence. A portion of all tickets and official tour t-shirts sold will go to Mitch‘s daughter for the Kenadee Lucker Education Fund. Suicide Silence could never be replaced on our tour as they are the only band in the world who could bring their element, intensity and power to the line-up. For the sake of giving the fans the best show we can under the circumstances, we have decided to add Sumerian Records family members I See Stars to the bill, NOT AS A REPLACEMENT BY ANY MEANS, but as another band who’s love and passion for music and their fans is as tried and true as ours. Now, more than ever, we need to come together to celebrate our collective love of music and to show compassion & solidarity in our scene. It’s time to put aside all petty differences and remember what it is that brings us all together, the music. Mitch – from myself and everyone else who will be taking part in this tour, you are forever in our hearts. This one’s for you. We love you. Cheers – Ben Bruce The Monster Energy Outbreak Tour launches Nov. 16 in Edmonton, Alberta and runs through a Dec. 16 finale in Tampa, Fla. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/asking-alexandria-guitarist-next-album-will-feature-more-radio-singles/” title=”Next: Asking Alexandria Discuss Radio-Friendlier Next Album” align=”center”]